Unforgettable adventures, exciting experiences, and warm sunshine: Egypt, the award-winning holiday hotspot, offers something for all travellers this winter. While the chill is setting in and UK travellers are eagerly looking forward to the holiday season, the country on the Nile is proving to be a fascinating and affordable destination for a winter holiday in the sun.
Unique Experiences and Adventures
In a time when travel is not just about the destination but the experiences that come with it, the land of pharaohs, pyramids, and the lush River Nile delta stands tall as a destination worth exploring, whether travellers are seeking immersive urban experiences in Cairo and Alexandria, personalised river cruises, unique desert adventures or some of the world’s best snorkelling and scuba diving sites in the Red Sea.
Ahmed Issa, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Egypt said: “Tourism has changed in recent years. More and more travellers are coming to Egypt because the country offers them diverse and unique experiences and they feel safe here. Our endeavour is to offer every guest a trip that allows them to relax and unwind as well as get to know our rich culture. Last year we saw an influx of visitors during the cold months, and we expect millions of travellers to come again this year to escape the winter.”
Significant Investments in Popular Tourist Spots
To improve the overall experience for visitors and attract even more tourists, significant investments have been made in Egyptian destinations, including restoring and developing archaeological sites and opening new museums and hotels. Highlights include the Graeco-Roman Museum reopening in Alexandria, the restoration of the Great Hypostyle Hall in the Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings, and the new Grand Egyptian Museum opening in early 2024 near Cairo.
Thanks to numerous direct flights from many major European cities and new flight connections, Egypt can now be reached more quickly and cost-effectively than ever before. The newly introduced five-year multiple-entry visa, great package holidays and low cost of living are also attractive.
Diverse Offerings for Every Type of Traveller
Whether exploring Cairo’s awe-inspiring Pyramids of Giza and the iconic Great Sphinx or the legendary Luxor Temple, attending the magical Abu Simbel Sun Festival Event in Aswan, or experiencing the white sandy beaches and pristine coral reefs of the Red Sea, Egypt’s offerings cater to every traveller. It’s a popular destination for everyone from families looking for all-inclusive luxury to solo travellers seeking unique adventures and remote workers looking for an affordable, long-stay escape.
Sustainability Is Becoming Increasingly Important
With an increasing focus on sustainability, Egypt offers plenty of opportunities for those looking for eco-friendly ways to connect with nature, cultural and historical heritage and people. For example, many tour operators offer packages that include stays in eco-friendly accommodation and support local businesses. The country is also home to a number of eco-lodges, including Eco Nubia on the once deserted island of Bigeh, which has become an internationally renowned attraction and has even been praised by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation.
That’s not all, as destinations such as Cairo and various resorts along the Red Sea coast between El Gouna and Marsa Alam are also involved in environmental certification programmes. Sharm el-Sheikh was even recently recognised as the best sustainable tourist city by the Arab Union for Tourism Media (AUTM).
A Record Year for Tourism
According to Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, more than seven million tourists visited Egypt during the first half of 2023. The country, which features as a Best Value Destination on the newly released Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2024 list, is on target to attract 15 million tourists this year. Another important reason for this: even in times like these, Egypt is known as one of the safest travel destinations in the world.
About the Egyptian Tourism Authority
The Egyptian Tourism Authority (ETA) was established in 1981 to boost international tourism by highlighting Egypt’s long history and promoting the country’s many tourist attractions. The ETA’s mission also includes increasing domestic tourism, raising awareness of tourism throughout the country, and strengthening the connection between Egyptians and their heritage.
The ETA focuses on the diversity of attractions and destinations within Egypt and on developing marketing strategies and programmes to promote tourism, as well as providing technical and marketing support. It also organises and sponsors touristic, sporting, social and cultural events throughout the country. The ETA Board of Directors is chaired by the Minister of Tourism.
For more information, visit Experience Egypt.
